UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini issues 'water' appeal: 'Water is now the last remaining lifeline'

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, regarding Israel cutting off water in Gaza following the conflict, said, "People living in the Gaza Strip are drinking dirty water."

"IT HAS TURNED INTO A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH"

Following Israel's decision to cut off fuel and water in Palestine on the 10th day of the conflict that began between Israel and Hamas on October 7, a major water shortage is being experienced in Gaza.

Gazans are forced to get water from wells, forming long queues to fill bottles and kitchen utensils with water. In a statement, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini noted that more than 2 million people living in the Gaza Strip are facing the risk of water scarcity due to the water cutoff. Stating that fuel must be delivered to Gaza immediately to provide water for 2 million people, Lazzarini said, "This situation has turned into a matter of life and death."

CALL TO LIFT THE SIEGE

Stating that no humanitarian aid supplies are being allowed into Gaza, Lazzarini said, "With the shutdown of water facilities and public water networks in Gaza, clean water has run out and people are forced to consume dirty water. This increases the risk of waterborne diseases."

Lazzarini also reported that there has been a power outage in Gaza since October 11, which has affected the water supply, adding, "We now need to bring fuel into Gaza. Fuel is the only way for people to have safe drinking water. Otherwise, many people, including children, women, and the elderly, will begin to die of thirst. Water is now the last remaining lifeline. I call for the immediate lifting of the siege on humanitarian aid."

News Source: İHA